Autoweek - 03 - same basic engine

[Frank 03SRT]

From the pages of AutoWeek, ---"engineers took the CURRENT aluminum V10 and made changes to the cylinder head airflow, the intake and exhaust, and the cam timing." Helig, senior manager, didn't say exactly what they did because he wanted something left over for the car's introduction NEXT SPRING. Helig said they bored and stroked the engine, raised the redline to 6500, but "the engine architecture hasn't changed drastically." The 500HP is conservative (from press kit??) The chassis is very similar to the current Viper, but there are differences, and Helig wouldn't say what they were. The car is more comfortable to get in and out of. Helig said, "We expect the car to be more of a hoot, more of a rush, more of a testosterone thrill ride than the old one. I guard the sanctity of the car so it doesn't stray from being the absolute best perfromance car on the planet. We are commited to making sure the car lays to waste any pretenders."

 

[GTS Dean]

Also from that same AutoWeek article:

"When the top is up, it almost looks like a Jag convertible...looks like a stretched Honda S2000...it almost looks like a Corvette L88."

- Gee, now isn't that original...

"If you like it, credit Osam Shikado, the designer..."

- Now what exactly are you implying here, AW?

the designer said:
"I used more crisp lines on the fender, the top of the body sides and also the side gill."

- Just the styling cues on the new car that I dislike the most. How about if I don't like it? Can I blame the designer?

 

[Casey]

I know everybody's pride is in a pinch when it comes to changing the Viper, but lets have an open mind about the '03.
The pictures don't do it justice!---> Maybe it's not as *********, but it's still very *********!! Think about the future of this machine! Example, compare the '92 collector vs the 2001 model!
It's only gets better with the Viper!! Hey, I love my '97 GTS and it is mean, but lets wait and see how the '03 looks and drives before we bash it!!
I want one of each! We will see, I am still talking with my soon to be wife about that, and time will tell!!!!!!!!
I live most of the year here in Italy, so I see all the Italian cars on the road(360, 550 etc,) but let me assure you, there is no comparison to seeing a Viper on the road!!! And as far as driving, come on WE all know how a Viper feels!!
I only know that the Viper is the most exotic and powerful car on the planet!! So let's keep it that way!!
Hail to the Viper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's give it a chance!.....I am on the list for a '03, hope I get one early!!!